Free Blocking Zone — A Review

[Bobref]

The National Federation has changed the rule on low blocking in the free blocking zone. So, it may be useful to review that rule, just to get everyone current.

The free blocking zone (FBZ) is an area that extends laterally 4 yds. to either side of the snap, and 3 yds behind both the offensive and defensive lines of scrimmage. A player is considered to be in the FBZ if any part of his body is in the FBZ at the snap.

Blocking in the back is permitted in the FBZ when the following conditions are met:

1. The block is by an offensive player
2. The blocker is on the offensive line of scrimmage at the snap and within the FBZ
3. The defender being blocked is in the FBZ at the snap
4. The ball has not left the FBZ

Blocking below the waist is permitted in the FBZ when the following conditions are met:

1. Both the players are in the FBZ at the snap
2. Both the players are on their respective lines of scrimmage at the snap
3. The block occurs in the FBZ immediately at the snap.

Important points:

Only offensive players can block in the back.

Either offensive or defensive players can block low.

Although offensive players can block in the back, and either side can block below the waist, no one can clip.

[Bobref]

1 hour ago, Wedgebuster said:

What will be interesting is how different officials make that call.  I think you're going to see a lot of coaching staffs in the Wing-T or Option communities continue to teach that technique and not get it called all year until they run into a certain crew.   Then its the classic conversation right?  "But Mr. Official, WE HAVEN'T HAD THAT CALLED ALL YEAR!" 

With about 150 crews in the state, of varying abilities, there is inevitably going to be some degree of inconsistency. We are working hard in the preseason to educate our officials, using, among other things, the rule of thumb I described above.

[Wedgebuster]

Would your interpretation be any different if that same basic footwork was used but the offensive player tried to stay on his feet and keep the contact at or above the waist?   O-Lineman canceling backside gaps is a major part of many gap-scheme offenses and I'm sure many coaches will be searching for an effective way to continue to run their scheme while not getting flagged for violating the rule adjustments. 

[Bobref]

2 hours ago, Wedgebuster said:

Would your interpretation be any different if that same basic footwork was used but the offensive player tried to stay on his feet and keep the contact at or above the waist?   O-Lineman canceling backside gaps is a major part of many gap-scheme offenses and I'm sure many coaches will be searching for an effective way to continue to run their scheme while not getting flagged for violating the rule adjustments. 

If the initial contact is at or above the waist, it’s no problem.